Gloam - by Jack MacKay (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"The first time I read this book, I was so frightened I hid under the bed--and read it again."--Lemony Snicket, author of A Series of Unfortunate Events

"Thrillingly scary and impossible to put down. Don't read it alone!" --Jonathan Stroud, author of Lockwood & Co

For fans of Small Spaces and Goosebumps comes a delightfully creepy tale of a girl who must defend her family home from a babysitter with a monstrous secret!

Gwen doesn't want to admit that everything has been different since her mom died. There's no time for all these feelings now that she has her younger brother and twin sisters to look after. Especially not after the move into their late grandmother's creaky old house on a tiny, damp island where someone--or something--is waiting for them.

Esme Laverne. Gwen isn't fooled by the beautiful babysitter with the hungry eyes and too-sharp teeth, even though everyone else is. How does no one notice the sinister threats beneath her sickly sweet words? It quickly becomes clear that if Gwen wants Esme gone, she'll have to handle it herself.

In order to protect her family, Gwen will have to fight off terrifying creatures and literal nightmares come to life. But as rot begins to eat away at the house's walls and Esme's power grows, Gwen must face everything she's been running from and embrace what she's truly scared of before she can defeat the monster in her home. . . for good.

Review Quotes

Praise for Gloam

"The first time I read this book, I was so frightened I hid under the bed--and read it again."--Lemony Snicket

"Mackay's debut is well constructed, gripping audiences from the very first pages as the author explores grief, terror, and familial bonds...Thrilling and chilling, with a standout protagonist." --Kirkus

"Debut author Mackay delivers a classic tale of children's horror that's as chilling as it is heartfelt." --Booklist

"The nightmare fuel that Mackay brings to bear against each of the children draws brilliantly on phobic triggers and the terror of the unknown... [The] atmospheric effects [...] will keep readers up at night." --The Horn Book

"I've read a lot of middle-grade horror, and this is one of the boldest debuts I've come across. Gloam definitely lingers, so don't sleep on it." --My Spooky Ways on Instagram

"I was hooked from page one and finished it in less than 24 hours. I devoured this book and so far it's one of my top 10 books of 2025." --Library Girl Reading

About the Author

Jack Mackay is a writer, theater-maker and horror enthusiast. Though he's currently floating around somewhere near York, his heart is in the Midlands, in his grandparents' creaky old house. He has written stories since he was four years old. He is also the co-founder of Griffonage Theatre, a York-based company with a taste for the madcap and macabre. He loves his family, his dog, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and K-pop.